Astronomical clock

Abstract

The invention relates to an astronomical clock (10) with a frame (12) comprising a frame part (14), wherein a first ring (24) is rotatably mounted on a first side (A) of the frame part (14), with which a first pointer (26) moves when moved, wherein a second ring (28) is rotatably mounted on the first side (A) of the frame part (14), which is larger than the first ring (24) and surrounds the first ring (24), wherein a third ring (30) is rotatably mounted on a second side (B) of the frame part (14), on which a first guide element (32) is rotatably mounted, wherein a fourth ring (34) is rotatably mounted on the second side (B) of the frame part (14), which is larger than the third ring (30) and surrounds the third ring (30), wherein a second guide element (35) is rotatably mounted on the fourth ring (34), wherein the first Guide element (32) and the second guide element (35) each have a guide section,a rod (38) is passed through, the rod (38) being attached to the second guide element (35) and being slidably guided on the guide section of the first guide element (32), a central shaft (40) being rotatably mounted on the frame part (14) about a central axis (40'), a second pointer (42) being fixed to the central shaft (40) on the first side (A) of the frame part (14) in a rotationally fixed manner, the first guide element (32) being coupled to the central shaft (40) via a linkage (44) such that the rod (38) and the second pointer (42) are always oriented parallel to each other.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an astronomical clock with features of claim 1.

[0002] Astronomical clocks exist in various forms according to current technological standards. These are mechanical clocks that illustrate astronomical phenomena, such as lunar phases, the position of the sun or moon relative to the horizon, or the signs of the zodiac. Depending on the design, the astronomical clock may also display the time or date.

[0003] Some clocks also display the position of the planets in the ecliptic. One of the most famous examples is the astronomical clock on Strasbourg Cathedral, built between 1838 and 1843 by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué and his team. However, these clocks generally show the position of the planets based on uniform orbits. The (from Earth's perspective) actual, regularly occurring retrograde motion of the planets (also called the planetary loop) is ignored.

[0004] One of the few clocks that depicts this phenomenon is the astronomical clock described in DE 20 2007 014 239 U1. There, the retrograde motion is generated via compensating gears. While this results in a correct representation of the position, it is not apparent to the observer what causes the retrograde movement.

[0005] US 4,435,795 A reveals a celestial clock for the automatic display of astronomical data. The clock shows the time of day, the date, the Earth's position in the zodiac, and the positions of the Sun, planets, and Moon relative to the Earth. A central Earth indicator is surrounded by rotating indicators for the Sun, Venus, and Mercury. A Moon indicator displays both the Moon's position and phases.

[0006] DE 58 775 C discloses an apparatus for representing planetary loops, in which two circles inclined relative to each other and each representing a planetary orbit, rotating at unequal speeds, guide a spring-loaded writing stylus consisting of two movable parts, which sketches the planetary loop on a cylinder representing the celestial sphere.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of enabling a representation of the planetary loop phenomenon in an astronomical clock using mechanical means that allow the viewer to understand the cause of the planetary loop.

[0008] The invention solves this problem by means of an astronomical clock with the features of claim 1.

[0009] The astronomical clock has a frame that includes at least one (central) frame section. A first ring is rotatably mounted on a first side of the frame section. A first pointer is rotatably mounted on the frame, particularly on the first frame section, such that it moves (synchronously) with the first ring when the first ring moves (the first pointer moves in the same direction of rotation and at the same speed or angular velocity as the first ring). In principle, the first pointer could be fixed to the first ring. Preferably, the first pointer can be non-rotatably coupled to a hollow shaft, in particular, fixed to the hollow shaft that coaxially surrounds a central shaft (described in more detail below). The first ring can be the "Earth ring," which represents the Earth's orbit and / or the Earth's position in its orbit. The first pointer can, for example,referring to a clock face, to function as a date indicator (day of the year).

[0010] A second ring, larger than the first, is rotatably mounted on the first side of the frame section and surrounds the first ring (with a gap) on the outside. This second ring could be the "Mars ring," representing the orbit of Mars and / or its position within its orbit.

[0011] A third ring is rotatably mounted on a second side of the frame part, and a first guide element, in particular a first bushing, is rotatably mounted on this ring. The third ring preferably has the same outer diameter as the first ring.

[0012] Furthermore, a fourth ring, larger than the third ring, is rotatably mounted on the second side of the frame section and surrounds the third ring (with a spacer) to the outside. A second guide element is rotatably mounted on the fourth ring. The second guide element can be designed as a second bushing or as a weight, preferably cuboid in shape. The fourth ring can have a ring section corresponding to the ring section of the second ring.

[0013] The first and second guide elements each have a guide section, in particular a passage, through which a rod is at least inserted or guided (the rod corresponds, so to speak, to the line of sight from Earth to Mars). The rod is fixed (and immovably attached) to the second guide element and guided slidably along the guide section, in particular the passage, of the first guide element.

[0014] A central shaft is rotatably mounted on the frame section about a central axis, with a second pointer fixed to the central shaft on the first side of the frame section. The first guide element is coupled to the central shaft via a linkage mechanism such that the rod and the second pointer are always oriented parallel to each other.

[0015] With the proposed design, the orientation of the rod can be transferred to the second pointer using simple structural means. This allows the second pointer, for example, to visualize the planetary loop of Mars relative to Earth, relative to a clock face (display side). This illustrates the phenomenon that, for example, the planet Mars (the heliocentrically "upper" planet, farther from the Sun than Earth) appears to move backward across the night sky from Earth's perspective during the months around its opposition, i.e., when it forms a 180° angle with the Sun, before later resuming its actual movement. The proposed design allows this to be visualized mechanically, largely eliminating the need for electrical or electronic components.

[0016] In other words, the retrograde motion of the planets (planetary loop) is illustrated using the example of the planet Mars by the mechanical implementation of the Earth-Mars viewing axis, thus enabling the viewer to understand the cause of the retrograde motion.

[0017] The challenge lies in the fact that implementing this inherently simple concept typically fails because the movement of the Earth-Mars line of sight is obstructed by the clock's central axis. The invention presents a way to place this line of sight in a rear plane. This allows the axis to move freely, while still enabling the position of Mars in the ecliptic to be indicated by a pointer.

[0018] The first ring may have a first mark representing the Earth (Earth mark). This first mark may be aligned with the first pointer, particularly at the rear end of the pointer. The first mark may be spherical or a spherical segment.

[0019] A second marker, representing Mars (Mars marker), may be placed on the second ring. This second marker may be spherical or shaped like a spherical segment.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the first ring and / or the third ring can each have external teeth. This allows the first ring and / or the third ring to be driven by a drive gear or pinion. The external teeth and the outer diameter of the first ring and the third ring are preferably identical. It is also conceivable that the ring sections of the first ring and the third ring are partially or completely identical. Alternatively, the first ring and the third ring can differ in their design, for example, to accommodate additional drive elements, such as for rotatable mounting.

[0021] Advantageously, the second ring and / or the fourth ring can each have internal teeth. This allows the second ring and / or the fourth ring to be driven by a driving gear or pinion. The internal teeth and the ring section of the second ring and the fourth ring are preferably identical.

[0022] Advantageously, the center point of the first ring and / or the third ring can each be arranged concentrically to the central axis. This facilitates coupling of the first ring with the third ring, for example, for a co-rotating drive of the first ring and the third ring at the same rotational speed. The outer edge, and, if the ring section is identical, possibly also the inner edge, of the first ring and the third ring can each be arranged concentrically to each other and concentrically to the central axis.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the center point of the second ring and / or the fourth ring can each be positioned eccentrically to the central axis. This center point is located, in particular, at the midpoint of the two foci of the Mars ellipse. The outer and inner edges of the second and fourth rings are not concentric to each other in order to represent the varying orbital speeds of the planet Mars in its orbit (Kepler's second law). In reality, the planet Mars moves in an ellipse, which is represented here by the second and fourth rings with their eccentric outer and inner edges. The Mars marker thus moves in a circular path, but its speed of motion approximates the speed of an elliptical orbit.

[0024] Advantageously, the first and second rings and / or the third and fourth rings can each be coupled by means of a transmission gear with a ratio between 1.7:1 and 1.9:1, in particular 1.8:1 (rounded). Thus, the first ring and the third ring (Earth motion) rotate faster than the second ring and the fourth ring (Mars motion), respectively, according to the specified gear ratio. The transmission gear can include a first gear (first gear) which meshes with the external teeth of the first ring. The first gear can be rotatably mounted on the (middle) frame section. Furthermore, the transmission gear can include a second gear (second gear) which meshes with the first gear and is rotatably mounted on a coupling via a shaft.The shaft is non-rotatably connected to a third gear (third transmission gear), which is in meshing engagement with the internal teeth of the second ring or the fourth ring.

[0025] Advantageously, the first ring and the third ring can be coupled to each other by means of a first synchronizing device such that, when driven (e.g., by a drive to the first ring or the third ring with the drive device described below), they rotate at the same speed and in the same direction. Thus, the rotational movement of the first ring and the third ring is synchronized in a structurally simple and stable manner. The first synchronizing device can have a bearing block on which a shaft is rotatably mounted. The bearing block can be coupled to the (central) frame section and, in particular, its position relative to the first and third rings can be adjusted. A (continuous) gear coupling the first and third rings can be attached to the shaft (continuous gear with the first and third rings in meshing engagement).Alternatively, several gears spaced apart from each other can be fixed to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, with one of the gears being in meshing engagement with the external teeth of the first ring and another of the gears being in meshing engagement with the external teeth of the third ring.

[0026] Advantageously, the second and fourth rings can be coupled to each other by means of a second synchronizing device such that they rotate at the same speed and in the same direction when driven. This allows the rotational movement of the second and fourth rings to be synchronized in a structurally simple and stable manner. The second synchronizing device can, for example, comprise a rotatably mounted shaft and two gears of the same diameter and tooth configuration, which are fixedly coupled to the shaft. One of the gears meshes with the internal teeth of the second ring, and the other gear meshes with the internal teeth of the fourth ring.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, the transmission and the second synchronizer can be combined. The transmission can thus comprise the components described above (first gear, second gear, shaft, connecting rod, (first) additional gear). Furthermore, a second additional gear can be provided, which has the same diameter and tooth configuration as the first additional gear. One of the two additional gears meshes with the internal teeth of the second ring, and the other meshes with the internal teeth of the fourth ring. Such a combination reduces the number of components required for the transmission and the second synchronizer.

[0028] Advantageously, the linkage mechanism can comprise a first linkage gear and a second linkage gear, wherein the first linkage gear is rotationally fixed to the first guide element, in particular the first bushing, and wherein the second linkage gear is rotationally fixed to the central shaft. The first linkage gear and the second linkage gear are coupled to each other in such a way that, when driven, in particular when the third ring and the fourth ring are driven relative to each other, they rotate in the same direction and at the same speed. In this way, the orientation or rotational position of the rod is transmitted to the second pointer in a structurally simple and robust manner. The third ring and the fourth ring can rotate completely relative to each other without any collision occurring between the rod and the central shaft.The first coupling gear and the second coupling gear can have an identical outer diameter and an identical number of teeth.

[0029] The coupling of the first and second coupling gears can be achieved using a chain or belt drive. This allows for a structurally simple coupling of the first and second coupling gears with the same rotational speed and direction. Coupling the first and second coupling gears using a worm drive is also conceivable. A comparatively high degree of self-locking can be achieved with a worm drive.

[0030] Preferably, the first coupling gear can be coupled to the second coupling gear by means of a third coupling gear, which is arranged between the first and second coupling gears, meshes with them, and is rotatably mounted on the third ring. This allows for a structurally simple coupling of the first and second coupling gears with the same rotational speed and direction, and self-locking is achieved due to the meshing action. The axes of rotation of the three coupling gears are oriented parallel to each other. Optionally, the first, second, and third coupling gears can have an identical outer diameter and the same number of teeth.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, a drive mechanism can be attached to the frame, particularly to the (middle) frame section, by means of which the first ring and / or the third ring can be driven such that the ring in question, or both rings, complete exactly one revolution (a 360° rotation around the central axis) in one year. This allows the first pointer to be used as a day or date indicator (displaying the respective day of the year).

[0032] The drive mechanism is preferably designed such that it allows manual movement (by an observer) of the mechanism described so far at any time, especially during a manual (planned) "push forward," without sustaining damage. This can be achieved, for example, by the drive mechanism not engaging the first ring under normal circumstances and, in the event of manual movement during the "push forward," by designing the engaging element or gripper [in the drawing, this is designated by reference numeral 95] in such a way that it can spring back.

[0033] The drive unit may have a base component which is attached to the frame, in particular to the (middle) frame section. The drive unit may further include a cradle or rocker, a rocker spring, a rack, a rack spring, a gear, a brake, and / or a gripper.

[0034] A drive screw can be rotatably mounted on the base component about a screw axis, the drive screw having an outer contour whose distance from the screw axis of rotation increases in the direction of rotation. Specifically, the distance of the outer contour from the screw axis of rotation increases from a starting point to an end point. At the end point, the outer contour runs inwards towards the starting point ("return"), particularly radially or parallel to the radial direction. If one follows the outer contour from the starting point to the end point (along the direction of rotation), the starting point and the end point are separated by an angle of 360° around the screw axis of rotation.

[0035] The drive mechanism can include a clockwork or a motor by which the drive worm can be driven to rotate around the worm axis, in particular at a speed of one revolution per day (1 revolution / day, i.e., 360° / day). The clockwork or motor can be attached to the base.

[0036] As already mentioned, the drive unit further comprises a rocker or cradle, which is pivotally mounted on the base about a rocker axis. A first rocker arm rests against the drive worm, for example by means of a roller rotatably mounted at the free end of the first rocker arm. A second rocker arm is pivotally coupled to the rack.

[0037] The gripper can have a body section and a neck section. The gripper is attached to the base section at the body section, specifically at the end of the body section furthest from the neck section. A gear is eccentrically mounted at the end of the body section closest to the neck section. This gear engages with the rack on one side and with a stop attached to the base section on the other.

[0038] A gripping element, preferably triangular in shape, is formed at the free end of the neck section. The gripping element is designed and / or positioned such that it can engage with the external teeth of the first ring or the external teeth of the third ring. The drive mechanism is configured so that, after 24 hours, particularly at the end of the day (midnight), the gripper engages the external teeth of the first ring or the third ring by a defined tooth increment, e.g., by one tooth of the respective external teeth.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the first ring can be rotatably mounted by means of several, in particular three, rollers rotatably attached to the (central) frame part, which engage the inner edge of the first ring. This allows for a structurally simple and stable mounting of the first ring, without affecting the design of the clock around the central shaft. The first ring is mounted, in particular, such that its axis of rotation and the axis of rotation of the central shaft (central axis) coincide.

[0040] The third ring can be advantageously fixed to a hollow shaft that coaxially surrounds the central shaft, preventing rotation. This allows the third ring to be rotatably mounted on the (central) frame section via the hollow shaft. The axis of rotation of the central shaft and the axis of rotation of the third ring thus coincide.

[0041] The central shaft can be a solid shaft. As already indicated, the second pointer and the second coupling gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the central shaft (on the first side of the frame part), in particular, they can be fixed to the central shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The first pointer and the third ring can be non-rotatably coupled to the hollow shaft that coaxially surrounds the central shaft (on the first side of the frame part), in particular, they can be fixed to the hollow shaft in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the second ring and / or the fourth ring can be rotatably mounted by means of several additional rollers, in particular three additional rollers, rotatably mounted on the (central) frame part and engaging the outer edge of the second ring and / or the fourth ring. This allows for a structurally simple and stable mounting of the second ring and / or the fourth ring, without affecting the design of the clock around the central shaft.

[0043] Specifically, in addition to the (middle) frame section, the frame can have a second frame section (on the first side of the middle frame section) and a third frame section (on the second side of the middle frame section). The second and third frame sections can each be spaced from the middle frame section, for example by means of bushings, and connected to each other or attached to the middle frame section, for example by means of screws. The frame sections can have an identical outer contour and be mounted flush against each other. The clock can thus be placed on a side surface, in particular on the underside of the frame, and stand independently (grandfather clock).

[0044] The central frame section can have several, preferably three, struts extending from one side of the frame section to the opposite side and intersecting in the area of ​​the central axis. The struts can serve to attach components of the astronomical clock.

[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, where identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals, possibly only once. The figures show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of an astronomical clock in a perspective view from a first side of a middle frame part; Fig. 2 the clock made of Figure 1 from the first side of the middle frame part in a top view; Fig. 3 the clock from Figure 1 from a second side of the middle frame part in a perspective view; Fig. 4 the clock from Figure 1from the second side of the middle frame part in a top view; and Fig. 5 the drive mechanism of the clock from Figure 1 in an enlarged partial view.

[0046] The Figures 1 to 4 Figures 1 and 2 show in various views an embodiment of an astronomical clock, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0047] The clock 10 has a frame 12, which has a middle frame part 14. In the example, the frame 12 has a second frame part 16 on a first side A of the middle frame part 14 and a third frame part 18 on a second side B of the middle frame part 14. The first side A can be the display side of the clock 10.

[0048] The second frame part 16 and the third frame part 18 are each spaced apart from the middle frame part 16 by means of bushings 20 and connected to each other, e.g., by screws, or attached to the middle frame part 14. The frame parts 14, 16, and 18 have identical outer contours and are mounted flush against each other.

[0049] The central frame section 14 has several struts, in this example three, 21, 22, 23, which extend from one side of the central frame section 14 to the opposite side and intersect in a central area (area of ​​the central axis). The struts 21, 22, 23 serve, among other things, to attach components of the astronomical clock 10, as explained below.

[0050] On the first side A of the central frame section 14, a first ring 24 is rotatably mounted, with which a first pointer 26 moves (synchronously) (pointer 26 moves in the same direction of rotation and at the same speed or angular velocity as the first ring 24). Optionally, the first pointer 26 can be fixed to the first ring 24. In the example, the first pointer 26 is fixed to a hollow shaft 79, as described below. The first ring 24 is the "Earth ring," which represents the Earth's orbit 27 and / or the Earth's position 27 in its orbit. The first pointer 26 can function as a date indicator (day of the year) on the first side A (display side), for example, in relation to a clock face (not shown).

[0051] A second ring 28 is rotatably mounted on the first side A of the middle frame section 14. This second ring is larger than the first ring 24 and surrounds the first ring 24 with a spacer to the outside. The second ring 28 is the "Mars ring," which represents the orbit of Mars 29 and / or the position of Mars 29 in its orbit (see figure). Figure 1 and 2 ).

[0052] On the second side B of the middle frame part 14, a third ring 30 is rotatably mounted, on which in turn a first guide element 32, in the example a first bushing, is rotatably mounted (cf. Figure 3 and 4 ). In the example, the third ring 30 has the same outer diameter as the first ring 24.

[0053] Furthermore, a fourth ring 34 is rotatably mounted on the second side B of the central frame section 14. This ring is larger than the third ring 30 and surrounds the third ring 30 with a spacer to the outside. A second guide element 35 is rotatably mounted on the fourth ring 34. In this case, the second guide element 35 is designed as a cuboid weight. The fourth ring 34 can have a ring section 34' that corresponds to the ring section 28' of the second ring 28.

[0054] The first guide element 32 and the second guide element 35 each have a guide section, for example designed as a passage (not shown in detail), through which a rod 38 is at least inserted or guided. The rod 38 is fixedly attached to the second guide element 35 and slidably guided in the guide section (passage) of the first guide element 32.

[0055] A central shaft 40 is rotatably mounted on the middle frame part 14 about a central axis 40', wherein a second pointer 42 is fixedly attached to the central shaft 40 on the first side A of the middle frame part 14 (cf. Figure 1 and 2 ).

[0056] The first guide element 32 is coupled to the central shaft 40 via a coupling mechanism 44 in such a way that the rod 38 and the second pointer 42 are always oriented parallel to each other.

[0057] As previously indicated, a first marking 27, representing the Earth 27, is to be placed on the first ring 24 (cf. Figure 1 and 2 The first marker 27 is aligned with the first hand 26 at the rear end of the hand. A second marker 29, representing Mars 29, is located on the second ring 28.

[0058] The first ring 24 and / or the third ring 30 each have external teeth 46. The external teeth 46 and the outer diameter of the first ring 24 and the third ring 30 are identical in this example. Specifically, the ring section 24' of the first ring 24 and the ring section 30' of the third ring 30 are identical in the circumferential direction (see figure). Figure 1 and 3 ). The center point of the first ring 24 and the third ring 30 are each arranged concentrically to the central axis 40' (center points not shown for clarity).

[0059] The second ring 28 and the fourth ring 34 each have internal teeth 48. The internal teeth 48 and the ring section 28' of the second ring and the ring section 34' of the fourth ring 34 are identical in this case.

[0060] The center point of the second ring 28 and / or the fourth ring 34 is each eccentrically positioned relative to the central axis 40' (center points not shown for clarity; this would be located at the midpoint of the two foci of the Mars ellipse). As explained above, the planet Mars moves in an ellipse, which is depicted here by the second ring 28 and the fourth ring 34 with their eccentric outer and inner edges (the Mars marker 29 above describes or performs this elliptical movement).

[0061] The first ring 24 and the second ring 28 and the third ring 30 and the fourth ring 34 are each coupled by means of a transmission gear 50, the ratio of which is between 1.7:1 and 1.9:1, in particular 1.8:1 (rounded) (the first ring and the third ring rotate faster than the second ring and the fourth ring, respectively; cf. Figure 1 and 2 ).

[0062] The transmission gear 50 has a first gear 51 (first gear 51) which is in meshing engagement with the external teeth 46 of the first ring 24 (cf. Figure 2 The first gear 51 is rotatably mounted on the central frame part 14, specifically on the strut 21. In this example, the transmission 50 has a second gear 52 (second gear 52), which meshes with the first gear 51 and is rotatably mounted on a coupling 54 by means of a shaft 53. The coupling 54, in turn, is pivotally mounted about the axis of rotation 55 of the first gear 51. The shaft 53 is non-rotatably connected to a third gear 56 (third gear 56), which meshes with the internal teeth 48 of the second ring 28 or the fourth ring 34.

[0063] The first ring 24 and the third ring 30 are coupled to each other by means of a first synchronizing device 60 in such a way that they rotate at the same speed and in the same direction of rotation when driven.

[0064] The first synchronizing device 60 may have a bearing block 61 on which a shaft 62 is rotatably mounted. The bearing block 61 is coupled to the central frame part 14 and, in this example, attached to the strut 22. Preferably, the position of the bearing block 61 relative to the first ring 24 and the third ring 30 is adjustable. In this example, several spaced-apart gears 63, 64 are fixedly mounted to the shaft 62 in a rotationally fixed manner, with gear 63 meshing with the external teeth 46 of the first ring 24 and gear 64 meshing with the external teeth 46 of the third ring 30.

[0065] The second ring 28 and the fourth ring 34 are coupled to each other by means of a second synchronizing device 70 such that they rotate at the same speed and in the same direction when driven. As explained above, it is conceivable that the second synchronizing device has a shaft with two gears fixed to it in a rotationally fixed manner, one of which engages with the internal teeth 48 of the second ring 28 and the other with the internal teeth 48 of the fourth ring 34.

[0066] The transmission gear 50 and the second synchronizing device 70 are combined here. The transmission gear 50 comprises the components described above (first gear 51, second gear 52, shaft 53, coupling 54, (first) further or third gear 56). In addition, a second further or fourth gear 71 is provided, which has the same diameter and the same tooth configuration as gear 56. Gear 56 is in meshing engagement with the internal teeth 48 of the second ring 28, and the fourth gear 71 is in meshing engagement with the internal teeth 48 of the fourth ring 34 (see figure). Figure 1 ).

[0067] The coupling mechanism 44 comprises a first coupling gear 72 and a second coupling gear 73, wherein the first coupling gear 72 is rotationally fixed to the first guide element 32, in particular the first bushing, and wherein the second coupling gear 73 is rotationally fixed to the central shaft 40, the first coupling gear 72 and the second coupling gear 73 being coupled to each other such that, when driven, in particular when the third ring 28 and the fourth ring 34 are driven, they rotate in the same direction and at the same speed relative to each other. The first coupling gear 72 and the second coupling gear 73 can have an identical outer diameter and an identical number of teeth, as in the example.

[0068] In principle, it is conceivable that the first coupling gear 72 is coupled to the second coupling gear 73 by means of a chain drive, a belt drive or a worm drive.

[0069] In the example, the first coupling gear 72 is coupled to the second coupling gear 73 by means of a third coupling gear 74, which is arranged between the first coupling gear 72 and the second coupling gear 73, meshes with them, and the third coupling gear 74 is rotatably mounted on the third ring 30 (see Figure 3 and 4 The axes of rotation of the three coupling gears 72, 73, 74 are oriented parallel to each other. In this example, the first coupling gear 72, the second coupling gear 73, and the third coupling gear 74 have an identical outer diameter and an identical number of teeth.

[0070] In this example, the first ring 24 is rotatably mounted by means of three rollers 78, which are rotatably mounted on the central frame part 14 and engage the inner edge of the first ring 24. The first ring 24 is mounted such that its axis of rotation and the central axis 40' coincide.

[0071] The third ring 30 is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to a hollow shaft 79 which coaxially surrounds the central shaft 40.

[0072] The central shaft 40 can be a solid shaft. As already indicated, the second pointer 42 and the second coupling gear 73 can be non-rotatably coupled to the central shaft 40, in particular, fixed to the central shaft 40 in a rotationally fixed manner. The first pointer 26 and the third ring 30 can be non-rotatably coupled to the hollow shaft 79, which coaxially surrounds the central shaft 40, in particular, fixed to the hollow shaft 79 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0073] In the example, the second ring 28 and the fourth ring 34 are rotatably mounted by means of three further rollers 80 rotatably mounted on the middle frame part 14, each of which engages the outer edge of the second ring 28 and the fourth ring 34.

[0074] A drive device 81 is attached to the central frame section 14, specifically to the strut 22, by means of which the first ring 24 can be driven such that the first ring 24 (and, via the first synchronizing device 60, also the third ring 30) completes exactly one revolution (a 360° rotation around the central axis) in one year. The drive device 78 is described below with reference to Figure 5 more precisely described.

[0075] The drive unit 82 comprises a base part 82, which is attached to the central frame part 14, specifically to the strut 22. The drive unit 82 further comprises a drive worm 83, a rocker 84, a rocker spring 85, a rack 86, a rack spring 87, a gear 88, a brake 89, and a gripper 90.

[0076] The drive screw 83 is rotatably mounted on the base part 82 about a screw axis 91, wherein the drive screw 83 has an outer contour 92, the distance d of which from the screw axis of rotation 91 increases in the direction of rotation. Specifically, the distance d of the outer contour 92 from the screw axis of rotation 91 increases from a starting point SP to an end point EP. At the end point EP, the outer contour 92 extends inwards, in particular radially or parallel to the radial direction, towards the starting point SP ("return"). If one follows the outer contour 92 from the starting point SP to the end point EP (along the direction of rotation), the starting point SP and the end point EP are separated by an angle of 360° about the screw axis of rotation 91.

[0077] The drive mechanism 82 can include a clockwork or a motor (not shown) by means of which the drive worm 83 can be driven to rotate about the worm axis 91, in particular at a speed of one revolution per day (1 revolution / day, i.e., 360° / day). The clockwork or motor can be attached to the base part 82.

[0078] The rocker 84 is pivotably mounted on the base part 82 about a rocker axis 93. A first rocker arm 84' rests against the drive worm 83, for example by means of a roller 94 rotatably mounted at the free end of the first rocker arm 84'. A second rocker arm 84'' is pivotably coupled to the rack 86.

[0079] The gripper 90 has a body section 90' and a neck section 90''. The gripper 90 is attached to the base section 82 at the body section 90', specifically at the end of the body section 90' facing away from the neck section 90''. The gear 88 is eccentrically mounted at the end of the body section 90' facing the neck section 90''. This gear 88 is engaged on one side with the rack 86 and on the other side with a stop 89 attached to the base section 82.

[0080] A gripping element 95, preferably triangular in shape, is formed at the free end of the neck section 90''. The gripping element 95 is designed and / or positioned such that it can engage with the external teeth 46 of the first ring 24.

[0081] The drive device 81 is designed so that the gripper 90 with its gripping piece 95 grips the external toothing 46 of the first ring 24 by a defined tooth increment after 24 hours, in particular at the end of the day (24:00), e.g. by one tooth of the external toothing 46.

Claims

1. Astronomical clock (10), comprising a frame (12) encompassing a frame part (14), wherein a first ring (24) is rotatably mounted on a first side (A) of the frame part (14), with which a first pointer (26) moves when moved, wherein a second ring (28) is rotatably mounted on the first side (A) of the frame part (14), which is larger than the first ring (24) and surrounds the first ring (24), wherein a third ring (30) is rotatably mounted on a second side (B) of the frame part (14), on which a first guide element (32) is rotatably mounted, wherein a fourth ring (34) is rotatably mounted on the second side (B) of the frame part (14), which is larger than the third ring (30) and surrounds the third ring (30), wherein a second guide element (35) is rotatably mounted on the fourth ring (34), wherein the first guide element (32) and the second guide element (35) each have a guide section through which a rod (38) is passed,wherein the rod (38) is attached to the second guide element (35) and is slidably guided on the guide section of the first guide element (32), wherein a central shaft (40) is rotatably mounted on the frame part (14) about a central axis (40'), wherein a second pointer (42) is fixedly attached to the central shaft (40) on the first side (A) of the frame part (14), wherein the first guide element (32) is coupled to the central shaft (40) via a linkage (44) such that the rod (38) and the second pointer (42) are always oriented parallel to each other.

2. Astronomical clock (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first ring (24) and / or the third ring (30) each have an external toothing (46).

3. Astronomical clock (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the second ring (28) and / or the fourth ring (34) each have an internal toothing (48).

4. Astronomical clock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the center point of the first ring (24) and / or the third ring (30) is arranged concentrically to the central axis (40').

5. Astronomical clock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the center point of the second ring (28) and / or the fourth ring (34) is each arranged eccentrically to the central axis (40').

6. Astronomical clock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first ring (24) and the second ring (28) or the third ring (30) and the fourth ring (34) are each coupled by means of a transmission gear (50) whose ratio is between 1.7:1 and 1.9:1, in particular 1.8:

1.

7. Astronomical clock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first ring (24) and the third ring (30) are coupled to each other by means of a first synchronizing device (60) in such a way that they rotate at the same speed when driven.

8. Astronomical clock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second ring (28) and the fourth ring (34) are coupled to each other by means of a second synchronizing device (70) in such a way that they rotate at the same speed when driven.

9. Astronomical clock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the coupling gear (44) has a first coupling gear (72) and a second coupling gear (73), wherein the first coupling gear (72) is rotationally fixed to the first guide element (32), wherein the second coupling gear (73) is rotationally fixed to the central shaft (40), wherein the first coupling gear (72) and the second coupling gear (73) are coupled to each other in such a way that they move with the same direction of rotation and the same speed when driven.

10. Astronomical clock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thata drive device (81) is attached to the frame (12), in particular to the frame part (14), by means of which the first ring (24) and / or the third ring (30) can be driven in such a way that the ring in question (24, 30) or both rings (24, 30) complete exactly one revolution in one year.

11. Astronomical clock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first ring (24) is rotatably mounted by means of several rotatable rollers (78) mounted on the frame part (14), which engage the inner edge of the first ring (24).

12. Astronomical clock (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the third ring (30) is fixed to the central shaft (40) in a rotationally fixed manner.

13. Astronomical clock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe second ring (28) and / or the fourth ring (34) is rotatably mounted by means of several further rollers (80) rotatably mounted on the frame part (14), which engage the outer edge of the second ring (28) and / or the fourth ring (34).

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